Maldives In Brief - President seeks German support to train Maldives police

President Mohamed Nasheed who is on a four nation European tour sought German police assistance to train the Maldives police force, on Monday.

Nasheed who met with Chief Director of German Police, Günther Freisleben said “German experience could help the Maldives build a qualified police force and sought assistance to train Maldivian police,” Nasheed’s office said.

Nasheed further said the “main areas of concern in the Maldives were religious radicalism and drug related offences as well as juvenile delinquency.”

The President also spoke on the importance of making the Maldives police force more people and community friendly.

Discussions at the meeting were held on how German Police can work with the Maldives in providing assistance.

High Court freezes Adam Naseer’s account

The High Court on Monday ruled that Adam Naseer’s bank accounts would remain frozen until the appeal process launched by the Prosecutor General’s Office is complete, Minivan news reported.

Naseer was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in July 2009, and was acquitted by Judge Abdul Baary Yousuf on 28 February, who noted there was a lack of evidence against Naseer, it said.

“The government has previously identified Naseer as one the country’s top six drug dealers, and his acquittal has raised concern among many about the integrity of the judicial system.”

“The High Court’s decision to freeze Naseer’s accounts follows a decision yesterday by the Criminal Court ruling that police were to return the Rf6 million (US$467,000) in cash found in Naseer’s house when he was arrested,” the news report added.

Police Sub Inspector Ahmed Shiyam was quoted as saying in Minivan news that the “police had requested the High Court suspend the order to return the money to Naseer, and to freeze his bank accounts, until the appeal process from the PG’s office was complete.”

Tax Administration Bill passed in Parliament

The Tax Administration Bill aimed at establishing a proper tax regime in the country was passed in Parliament on Monday.

Of the 70 parliamentarians who were present, 67 voted in favour whilst 2 voted against and one member abstained, Miadhu news reported.

According to the bill, an Inland Revenue Authority will be set up with a board of directors. The bill also includes penalties for tax evasion, it said.

Maldives to set up a floating golf course

Giving a major boost to the country’s money-spinning tourism industry, a floating golf course along with a hotel will be developed in the Maldives.

The government has signed a contract with Dutch Docklands of the Netherlands to develop the project, Minivan news reported.

- Asian Tribune -